Chapter 64
Hiruzen could feel the excitement in the air. Though rather than feeling, he smelled it and heard it. Vendors on the main street were fighting each other for the best spot to set up their shops and attract the most people, hanging the biggest and flashiest banners to show off.
People from outside the village gathered around. Some came for the first time, others would have come first time since the rebuilding of the village. It wasn't hard to see people's excitement.
"They're late," But Hiruzen couldn't help but complain.
He thought that the Kumo shinobi would be fast enough to arrive at the appointed time. The Fourth Raikage was already testing his limits, and not only were Hiruzen's nerves being tested.
The guards looked anxious. Hiruzen spared no expense in ensuring the village was secured. Every shinobi capable of holding their own against the most dangerous opponents was mobilized inside the village. Kakashi himself had volunteered to lead them, so Hiruzen felt relieved at least on that front.
"They're here."
Hiruzen looked at the newest member of ANBU. He sure knew how to make Hiruzen worry, especially when, within a month of joining, he had already taken the captain's position. Either way, all the ANBU were well-prepared to protect Hiruzen and listen to his orders at a moment's notice.
And there came the bane of Hiruzen's existence. Tall and burly, just as Hiruzen expected the young Fourth Raikage to be. With a goattee and white hair contrasting his dark skin.
Either way, his presence was something else entirely. His eyes and posture were intense, like he was walking into battle rather than greeting an ally.
"Welcome to Konoha," Hiruzen said, giving his warmest and most disarming smile. "I hope you will enjoy your time here."
There was no way he could match the Raikage's intensity, so Hiruzen went to the opposite spectrum. He would smother him with a kind smile and good intentions, at least for now. He would make sure to welcome his guest in the best way he could; people were watching after all.
"You're shorter than I remembered."
"You are younger than I expected," Hiruzen replied with only a smile at the Raikage's provocation. "And slower than I thought you would be. I am an old man, and I don't have that much time to waste waiting for my guests. So, shall we begin?"
"What about the Kazekage? Has he arrived already?"
"He won't be coming; something urgent came up. At least, that's what his message to me said."
The finals hadn't even begun, and already there were complications. Hiruzen didn't like it. He didn't want to be left alone to deal with the Raikage and Kumo. He thought that with the Kazekage at his side, he could somehow manage, and for him not to attend felt far too suspicious.
It could be Kumo's doing. But Hiruzen wasn't just going to accuse them outright. He could only deal with it and pretend like he wasn't worried. There wasn't much more he could do.
"That's a shame," Hiruzen couldn't tell whether the Raikage was genuine or not. "But maybe he got embarrassed that only one of his genin managed to get this far. Unlike ours. It seems they are lacking."
"I wouldn't know. I do not need to compare my genin to anyone else's to know their strength."
The Raikage's entourage didn't seem to like Hiruzen's comment. But they were elites, and as intense as the Raikage himself. They showed their displeasure through narrowed eyes and glares, but didn't say a word.
"Impressive place you've got yourself," the Raikage remarked as they walked to the stadium.
Hiruzen looked at his open white robe and the face partially hidden by the Raikage's hat. He was muscular and liked to show it. Standing next to him, Hiruzen probably looked ridiculously short and small. But he didn't avert his eyes.
"I take pride in my village," Hiruzen replied.
"I can see it. Hard to believe it was almost completely wiped out not that long ago."
There were many ways to interpret his words, but none of them mattered at the moment. All Hiruzen could think about was the two Jinchūriki capable of as much destruction as the Nine-Tails—and the man standing next to him, who could give the order to unleash it.
"I see even an old man like me can make you younglings nervous," Hiruzen said as he glanced at the Raikage's entourage, all of them gripping their blades and ready to fight. They sure overreact to the slightest change of expression. They should have known how he would react, and yet they still act all surprised. "I apologize. At my age, it is hard to control my emotions, especially when it comes to my village. But I promise, if you don't do anything stupid, no harm will come to any of you."
Hopefully, the message was conveyed well. They were safe in his village, but the moment they tried something, Hiruzen would show no mercy or kindness. No matter what happened next, he would make them regret walking all over his village.
"Sir, would you like something to drink?" Once they took their seats to watch over the arena, Shizune quickly went to work.
"Hmm? Some alcohol would be nice, but nothing too strong," the Raikage replied.
"Tea will be fine," Hiruzen said.
"Yes, sir," Shizune didn't even glance at the Raikage before leaving.
"A pretty assistant you have, though a bit young."
"She is plenty capable."
The stadium started to fill with guests. Hiruzen saw dozens of nobles and wealthy merchants taking their seats. He also recognized the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, Earth, and Lightning. The Daimyo of Fire seemed to be running late.
"The Twelve have been spotted," an ANBU member reported, as if reading Hiruzen's mind.
Hiruzen glanced at the bronze-skinned giant, trying to read his expression. He still didn't know what kind of deal the man had with the Daimyo of Fire to let himself into Konoha. But whatever it was, Hiruzen was certain he wouldn't like it.
"It seems everyone has gathered," the Raikage said. "Though the Fire Daimyo is a bit late."
"He is on the way," Hiruzen replied, still trying to discern the man's connection to the Fire Daimyo.
But there was no reading him. He was the Fourth Raikage for a reason. Not only was he a powerful shinobi, but also an expert in politics who knew how to hide his expressions. There was no way he would show any emotion, nor say anything that would let Hiruzen conclude.
"Your genin are quite young," the Raikage commented as the genin gathered in the middle of the arena. "Though that only speaks of their talent, if nothing else. Still, talent and experience are two different things. My genin are also talented, but they have years of experience by now. I won't lie, this exam is just a formality. They long ago reached the level of chūnin."
"Is that so?" Rather than be concerned about the Raikage's words, Hiruzen grew excited. "Want to bet on that?"
"Now, the participants will draw lots to determine the order in which they will face each other." Before the Raikage could answer, the proctor for the finals spoke.
Mukai Kohinata, one of the most reliable men. He was a secretive ANBU member. Even though he served Hiruzen, his job was to act like a regular shinobi. Not even within ANBU was he well-known; that way, Hiruzen could use him most effectively—just like now.
In his twenties, he had already achieved quite a career. What was most surprising and welcome was that he had a Byakugan in his left eye. He was an offspring of a branch family that had split away from the clan before the village was even built. And aside from him, nobody else knew about it.
He was quite a hidden asset, perfect for today. If anything were to happen in the arena, he would be the first to notice. And with him here, Hiruzen didn't need to worry about his genin either.
The names were drawn:
Shisui Uchiha vs. C
Kotetsu Hagane vs. Darui
Mabui vs. Yamato
Izumo Kamizuki vs. Samui
Maki vs. Jay
Yugito Nii vs. Moemi Onowara
Iruka Umino vs. Ken
Hayate Gekko vs. Yato
"First match, Shisui Uchiha from Konohagakure and C from Kumogakure. You two stay behind; the rest, please leave the premises and prepare for your match."
It was the best set of matches Hiruzen could arrange without raising suspicion, while still giving his genin the best chances. If everything went as planned, he would earn quite a bit from betting. There were plenty of rich fools eager to use their limited knowledge to try to make money. Not just the Raikage.
"Yato—isn't he from Kusagakure? I don't see him with the others."
"He was heavily injured during the second stage of the exam," Hiruzen explained. "Out of consideration for our ally, I arranged that his match, with whoever it would have been, would be last. Maybe an hour or two will be enough for him to recover; if not, he will be disqualified."
"Very convenient for this Hayate Gekko," the Raikage replied. "Can't say I've heard of him. I know of Shisui, of course. As you probably suspect, we keep a close eye on Uchiha clan members. And Yamato was mentioned to me by my personnel—he faced Yugito in the first stage and came out victorious. Impressive for such an unimpressive kid."
Even Hiruzen had to agree with that assessment. Yamato looked like a kid who had just stumbled into the finals. He was completely relaxed, snacking on walnuts and chatting with his friends. But to other genin, it was probably unsettling. Especially if they knew he had taken down one of the Kumo shinobi alone. At least the fact that Hiruzen had trained him personally hadn't leaked.
"You think I had some hand in it?" Hiruzen asked, stretching his smile. "It is quite insulting for you to think I would doubt my shinobi's skills so much that I would resort to something dirty. Every single one of them is the future of my village. Every single one of them is skilled enough to get this far and go further."
"It was just an observation. Don't mind my words too much."
"Hokage-sama, here is your tea," Shizune said, bringing Hiruzen a cup of steaming black tea.
"I don't see any drink for me," the Raikage said. Shizune didn't even acknowledge him as she stepped back to stand by Hiruzen's side. "Did I just get ignored?"
"Please forgive her," Hiruzen smiled at the Raikage. "She has no reason to serve the enemy of the village."
This time, the Raikage reacted. It was subtle but noticeable; the tensing at Hiruzen's words didn't escape him. Good. Better that he knew that being welcomed into the village didn't mean he was free to do as he wished.
"Your refusal to sign a peace treaty wasn't forgotten, Raikage-sama," Hiruzen continued. "I will not try to force your hand, as we both know how easily such a treaty could be ignored. But even refusing that kind of symbol of peace is telling of your plans."
"Because it is a worthless piece of paper that can be disregarded at any moment, I refuse to sign it," the Raikage replied. "My village does not need to enter such a frivolous relationship over a piece of paper."
"Shizune."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
"While there is time, please hurry up and inform Shisui not to hold back," Hiruzen said, pissed. "Tell him to use everything and destroy every single genin from Kumogakure."
"Hmph, it seems arrogance hasn't been lost with your age, Hokage-sama," the Raikage said. "I would not underestimate C. He is one of the few talents I personally cherish. Even knowing the abilities of the Uchiha clan, it won't be an easy fight."
"Want to bet on it?" Hiruzen was done playing nice.
"On what?"
"I bet one million ryō that C won't even touch Shisui before the match is over."
"I didn't take you for a joker, Hokage-sama," the Raikage said, but he wasn't laughing.
"I didn't take you for a coward, Raikage-sama," Hiruzen replied. "Or do you not trust your shinobi? It is easy money from your perspective."
"Very well, I will entertain you. I'm sure C will be overjoyed to earn a million ryō so suddenly."
And the fish took the bait. Before the Raikage left his village, Hiruzen would make sure to milk him dry. And since the Raikage wanted to play games, Hiruzen would stop playing his own.
It was time to show the world why Konohagakure was the best.
A.N. As always. Thanks for reading and supporting me. If you want more 7 more chapters of this story and 42 chapters in total with all my current stories, please consider supporting me on pa treon ironworlf852. Thanks in advance.